Eau Claire (WQOW) - Nine candidates make their pitch to the Eau Claire City Council Monday night.
An at-large seat opened when Dana Wachs resigned recently. Ten people applied to fill the city council vacancy, but one has since dropped out. Each candidate had to give a brief statement about why they wanted to serve.
Applicant, Catherine Emmanuelle, told the candidates, "Last year you all stood together during a very difficult time when Act 10 was brought upon our sate and caused a substantial strain on our state and on our city, and I saw that this council really worked together which is something I grew up believing in."
"Autism, I can represent that demographic, because I am the father of an autistic child. I receive state benefits for that autistic child. I've spent most my life in business but yet I understand social needs," says applicant Jason Illg.
Council members also asked them questions. They wanted to know if the applicants were aware of the time commitment involved.
The city council will appoint a new member at its meeting Tuesday.
Here's more information about those nine candidates:
John Bast, 1245 Blueberry Drive, is a life-long resident of Eau Claire. He lives here with his wife, Allie and daughter, Evelyn. John owns and operates Ever-Green Services, a landscaping business he's been running since 1984. John has always had an interest in local public service and is interested in the open seat because of his love for the city. "I have traveled to many places in our country, but I can't imagine living anywhere else. Our safety, schools, business climate, parks and rivers, culture and history are just some of the reasons I love Eau Claire."
Catherine Emmanuelle, 130 Hudson Street, is a community activist who says her experience leading diverse populations and vision of working toward the common good make her a good fit for the Eau Claire City Council. She is especially interested in increasing civic engagement. Catherine currently serves on the board of directors for Clear Vision Eau Claire and is involved with other civic issues including the Confluence Project and Community Day at The Community Table. Catherine is a single mother of a young child. She ran for an at-large City Council seat in 2010.
Charles Gable, 1132 Pershing Street, has been a resident of Eau Claire for more than 20 years. He has experience as a financial expert in the public and private sectors. In 2008 Charles sold property to the city for the West Bank Redevelopment District.
Eric Getten, 2214 Deblene Lane, is a long-time Eau Claire resident who manages the Walgreens on Hastings Way as well as oversees 5 other Walgreens store managers in the area. Eric says his job gives him the opportunity to speak to other business professional s in the area and see the impact a strong sense of community has on businesses, residents and visitors. His father and grandfather were both firefighters in Eau Claire and his uncle was a police officer here. "My strong business acumen, family values and love of my hometown will be valuable assets to the city council." He lives here with his wife Stacy and their three children, Hannah, Chloe and Braylon.
Jason Illg, 4525 Havenwood Lane, is married with four children in elementary school including an autistic child. Jason is a Senior Analyst/Programmer at May Clinic Health Systems Eau Claire. "I am seeking this appointment to pay it forward, doing my best to ensure the good things, along with innovative ideas, have the opportunity to succeed in Eau Claire."
Dennis Mattson, 2910 Quail Ridge Road, has been a resident of Eau Claire for more than 20 years. He is a retired Transportation Manager for Union Pacific Railroad. He held the position of union representative for 6 years and served in the Minnesota Army National Guard for 6 years. "I am passionate about serving this great city and would strive to look at all issues both critically and thoughtfully to achieve outcomes to keep Eau Claire a leader among Wisconsin cities."
Timothy M. Santine, 823 Main Street, works as a social insurance specialist with the Social Security Administration. He serves on the Chippewa Council on Homelessness and Hunger. "I will work to build the relationships required to continue the work the council has begun and solicit the participation of others to contribute and take ownership in the improvement of our city."
Dave Strobel, 1210 Barland Street, and his wife Lisa have lived in Eau Claire since he graduated from UWEC in 1981. He has two grown children. He served on boards for the YMCA, was a coach, served in various capacities on his neighborhood association for 10 years and has served on other various committees in the city. In 2003 he and his wife Lisa bought the Associated Bank Building at 130 S. Barstow Street. They rehabbed the building which now houses 7 businesses. Since 2011, he has served on the city Plan Commission and is currently the vice chair. "I have a strong interest in the redevelopment of Eau Claire's historic and scenic downtown."
Joshua Winberg, 4033 Paula Place, has a bachelor's degree in business management. He cited his business experience as to why he would be a good fit on the council. On why he wants to be on the city council, "I believe it is a great opportunity to get involved in some of the decisions that make Eau Claire a great place to live."
The person chosen to fill the seat will be sworn in on September 24 and will serve until the April elections.
